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quality control and consistency levels that surpass 
anything possible on a construction site. Additionally, 
off-site construction means a more consistent work 
crew and a more controlled workflow that is less 
prone to disruption.
When components are built in a climate-controlled 
factory, it virtually eliminates the risk of weather-
related delays. When it comes to scheduling, off-site 
production facilities are also more reliable, making 
timelines and costs more predictable. And in factory 
construction, workers can become 
specialized experts in their craft, 
leading to higher-quality products.
In the new construction of a spiritual 
space, there is also the emotional 
payoff for the building occupants 
when a construction project comes to 
a resolution.
“Other than a family waiting for the 
key to their new house, no other type 
of construction project has 
people more excited for the 
grand opening than a church 
body,” says Rev. Chris Eden, 
pastor at Otterbein United 
Methodist Church, Lancaster, 
Pa. “They have invested time 
and resources into fundraising, 
held countless planning 
meetings, have talked about 
it at every service, and they 
can’t wait to invite friends and 
family to see the new space.”
Taking much of the work off 
the job site makes for a tidier 
environment, generating less 
waste and debris on the site. 
There are also advantages on 
the job site itself. With less 
construction happening onsite, 
even tight or remote sites become 
easier to work with.
“In urban areas, space is at a 
premium,” says Mike Banta, general 
manager with Mid-Atlantic Timberframes. “Storing 
construction materials and equipment on-site during 
the building process is not ideal, and maybe not even 
possible. Builders can save space by having heavy 
timber components built in a factory and scheduled 
for precise, on-time delivery to the site.”
Inspiring awe
Architects consistently emphasize timber’s ability 
to inspire. In spiritual spaces, the elements are 
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YOUR TOOLKIT FOR BUILDING EXCELLENCE
The church features expressed steel connections and tension-rod joinery in a 
matte black powder-coat finish. The lobby incorporates 161 pieces of timber, 
and outside, 35 timber brackets supporting exterior overhangs express the 
timber beneath the eaves. 

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